You can expect a wool carpet to last for 20–25 years. They are one of the hardest-wearing types of carpet available.
Though a higher-end product, wool is not delicate. Its resilience is rated good to excellent and when properly maintained, it stands up to decades of wear. One notable aspect of its natural durability is its inherent elasticity that resists crushing.
Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Because of it's durability, nylon carpet is perfect for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
When correct cleaning techniques and chemistry are applied wool carpets are easily maintained and retain the highest level of appearance. This is why, despite the slightly higher price tag, they are still the carpet of choice for installations where appearance is paramount.
A high-quality wool rug can cost a pretty penny, but they're well worth the investment. Rugs made with 100% wool are durable, versatile, and natural, and they will often feel and look better than synthetics, making them a perfect choice for those who like to invest in their home decor.
You need to steam clean your wool carpet at least once a year. At a glance, your carpet may appear clean, but there is a chance of a lot of hidden dirt. Dried mud, dust or trapped sand can wear the fibres of your carpet as you move around day today. Steam cleaning once a year can remove this hidden build-up of dirt.
The main advantage of wool carpets is their longevity and excellent appearance retention compared to synthetics. Their timeless appearance is enhanced by their durability. The natural fibres (a big plus for environmentally conscious buyers!) make wool a very strong and durable floor covering.
Carpet fibers often become matted and frayed within just 3-5 years. A carpet can only be expected to last 5-15 years from installation, so if your carpet it starting to look a little beat-up then it's probably time to replace it. Areas that see the most wear and tear are usually the hallways, stairs, and living areas.
Wool is the most commonly used natural fiber in carpeting. While synthetic fibers comprise the vast majority of the carpet fiber market, wool has its own niche in the marketplace and continues to be a sought-after fiber option.
The color of your wool carpet can fade with time if it's constantly exposed to sunlight. This usually isn't a problem, and definitely doesn't mean you have to avoid any rooms with windows.
Disadvantages of Wool Carpeting
Most synthetic carpets won't run you more than $10 per square foot at the high end, while wool can cost up to $30 per square foot. It is possible to find cheaper wool carpet as low as $5 per square foot, but the majority will be significantly more costly.
Extended exposure to bright sunlight can cause the colours in the fibres to fade, spoiling the appearance of the carpet. A little sunlight every now and then will be fine, but wool carpets laid in an area that has constant sunlight all-day long are likely to lose their quality of appearance.
Wool carpets are natural and can be severely damaged by excess water seeping into the carpet. Many types of synthetic carpets however, may not be subject to permanent staining by water.
In general, carpet that is more than 20 years old should be replaced. Dust, dirt and debris build up in the fibers and underneath the carpet, even if it is maintained regularly. This can lead to allergy problems and odors. By the time a carpet reaches 30 years old, it usually is worn and stained.
On average, carpets have a lifespan of approximately 5-10 years; this mainly depends on the quality of carpet and foot traffic in that area of the property.
In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.
Snip and Burn
Take them outdoors and clamp them with a pair of tweezers. Light the fibers with a lighter. If they melt and smell like burning plastic, you have a synthetic rug. If they crumble and smell like burning hair, you have a wool rug.
Wool carpet cost can range anywhere from $5 to $26 per square foot. Again, that's a pretty big range. You'll realize these two cost ranges overlap. While wool carpeting is generally more expensive, you could end up comparing a $12 wool carpet to a $15 synthetic one.
Sprinkle baking soda or an approved-for-wool absorbent product on the wet area of the rug and let it dry overnight. Once dry, vacuum the area thoroughly.
Do not over-wet the fibers—wool is very absorbent and will take a long time to dry if it gets too wet. Use gentle pressure to lightly scrub the rug. Work in a three by three-foot grid. Rinse out the sponge frequently so the dirt will not be transferred.
Since wool comes from sheep fibers, sometimes wool rugs can take on an unpleasant smell when exposed to water or moisture. The odor is reminiscent of wet dog or barnyard animals, and when you've invested a bit of money into your wool rug, a smell like that can be alarming! But not to worry.